Unit Overview




Essential Question: Is it a moral obligation to practice philanthropy?




The overarching goal of this unit is for students to analyze texts from multiple genres that relate to philanthropy, practicing close reading to infer the author's purpose and to determine the kinds of evidence and strategies authors use to support a position. As they read, students will keep a four-column journal, collecting evidence from each text, always asking what each author adds to the conversation--how each author would respond to the essential question. Using collected textual evidence as support, students will write an essay that takes a position on the essential question.


Students will also practice philanthropy by completing a service project and creating a project board to showcase and reflect on the value of their project and how they personally benefited. Students will present their project in class in a formal presentation.

Discuss:

Is it a moral obligation to practice philanthropy? Discuss the meaning of the words "moral" and "obligation."

Word Study

  • philanthropy
  • obligation
  • compassion
  • frail
  • barren
  • Slang: half-nelson, icebox

Read: Anchor Text

Read the short story, "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes
Is it a moral obligation to practice philanthropy? How would Hughes respond to this question?
Rhetorical Triangle Handout

Discuss Partner Pair-Share:

How would Hughes respond to the essential question? What text evidence supports this? What is your opinion?

Write

Handout: 5 Column Notes to Keep for all texts in this unit.

Homework:

List 3 services you might want to do for your project. Be ready to discuss the 3 services next class period.

Note: Begin class with 30 minutes to work on posting your final draft of your Steinbeck essay on your blog. You have until MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. In other words, 2A- your essay must be posted on or before November 15 to be on time. 1B- yours must be posted on or before November 16. This gives you today and tomorrow to make sure you take care of any computer issues.

Make sure you have your peer reviewed rough draft to turn in next time!